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21 – 30 of 358
Article
Publication date: 30 August 2019

Andy W. Hao, Justin Paul, Sangeeta Trott, Chiquan Guo and Heng-Hui Wu

Despite the growing interest by scholars, practitioners and public policymakers, there are still divergent and fragmented conceptualizations of nation branding as the field is…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite the growing interest by scholars, practitioners and public policymakers, there are still divergent and fragmented conceptualizations of nation branding as the field is still developing. In response, the purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize nation branding research and to provide directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review peer-reviewed theoretical and empirical journal articles published during the last two decades – from 1998 to 2018. Selected journal articles on nation branding were subsequently synthesized for further insights.

Findings

The field of nation branding is fragmented and has developed in the course of the last two decades in different directions. This paper identifies key publication outlets and articles, major theoretical and methodological approaches and primary variables of interest that exist in the nation branding literature. The findings also highlight several research themes for future research.

Originality/value

This research fills a need to summaries the current state of the nation branding literature and identifies research issues that need to be addressed in the future.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2024

Marco Fabio Benaglia, Mei-Hui Chen, Shih-Hao Lu, Kune-Muh Tsai and Shih-Han Hung

This research investigates how to optimize storage location assignment to decrease the order picking time and the waiting time of orders in the staging area of low-temperature…

124

Abstract

Purpose

This research investigates how to optimize storage location assignment to decrease the order picking time and the waiting time of orders in the staging area of low-temperature logistics centers, with the goal of reducing food loss caused by temperature abuse.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied ABC clustering to the products in a simulated database of historical orders modeled after the actual order pattern of a large cold logistics company; then, the authors mined the association rules and calculated the sales volume correlation indices of the ordered products. Finally, the authors generated three different simulated order databases to compare order picking time and waiting time of orders in the staging area under eight different storage location assignment strategies.

Findings

All the eight proposed storage location assignment strategies significantly improve the order picking time (by up to 8%) and the waiting time of orders in the staging area (by up to 22%) compared with random placement.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research are based on a case study and simulated data, which implies that, if the best performing strategies are applied to different environments, the extent of the improvements may vary. Additionally, the authors only considered specific settings in terms of order picker routing, zoning and batching: other settings may lead to different results.

Practical implications

A storage location assignment strategy that adopts dispersion and takes into consideration ABC clustering and shipping frequency provides the best performance in minimizing order picker's travel distance, order picking time, and waiting time of orders in the staging area. Other strategies may be a better fit if the company's objectives differ.

Originality/value

Previous research on optimal storage location assignment rarely considered item association rules based on sales volume correlation. This study combines such rules with several storage planning strategies, ABC clustering, and two warehouse layouts; then, it evaluates their performance compared to the random placement, to find which one minimizes the order picking time and the order waiting time in the staging area, with a 30-min time limit to preserve the integrity of the cold chain. Order picking under these conditions was rarely studied before, because they may be irrelevant when dealing with temperature-insensitive items but become critical in cold warehouses to prevent temperature abuse.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2020

Hui Li, Heng Liu, Hao Li, Shemiao Qi, Yi Liu and Fengtao Wang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the cage-pocket wear on the dynamic behavior of the ball bearing.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the cage-pocket wear on the dynamic behavior of the ball bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analyzing the complicated relationship and interactions among the ball bearing elements, the dynamic modeling of the ball bearing was established considering the gravity, drag force from the oil, hydrodynamic effect on the cage and the dynamic simulations with different amounts of the cage-pocket wear loss of the ball bearing (BPWL) were obtained by solving the ball bearing dynamic equations using Runge–Kutta method.

Findings

The results show that the trajectory of the cage’s centroid presents two vibration modes with different amplitudes. In addition, those two different forms of trajectory of different amplitudes emerge alternatively with BPWL increase moreover the diameter of the trajectory decrease significantly with the BPWL increasing, which is consistent with the experimental result and last BPWL has lightly effect on the average skidding ratio of the cage, however, the BPWL would produce significant effects on the fluctuation of the skidding ratio, which can directly reflect the stability of motion to a certain extent.

Originality/value

Practice shows that the bearing failure resulting from the cage accounts for 25 per cent of the total failure of the rolling bearings. However, few discussions about how the wear of the cage-pocket would influence the dynamic characteristics of the cage. This study can provide important ideas for the design of bearing cage-pocket size and the fault identification of the ball bearing to decrease the failure rate caused by the cage.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2019-0535/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 72 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 February 2023

Hui Xiao, Xiaotong Guo, Fangzhou Chen, Weiwei Zhang, Hao Liu, Zejian Chen and Jiahao Liu

Traditional nondestructive failure localization techniques are increasingly difficult to meet the requirements of high density and integration of system in package (SIP) devices…

Abstract

Purpose

Traditional nondestructive failure localization techniques are increasingly difficult to meet the requirements of high density and integration of system in package (SIP) devices in terms of resolution and accuracy. Time domain reflection (TDR) is recognized as a novel positioning analysis technology gradually being used in the electronics industry because of the good compatibility, high accuracy and high efficiency. However, there are limited reports focus on the application of TDR technology to SiP devices.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors used the TDR technique to locate the failure of SiP devices, and the results showed that the TDR technique can accurately locate the cracking of internal solder joints of SiP devices.

Findings

The measured transmission rate of electromagnetic wave signal was 9.56 × 107 m/s in the experimental SiP devices. In addition, the TDR technique successfully located the failure point, which was mainly caused by the cracking of the solder joint at the edge of the SiP device after 1,500 thermal cycles.

Originality/value

TDR technology is creatively applied to SiP device failure location, and quantitative analysis is realized.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2018

Hao Wang, Yu Wang, Shuang Zhao, Lan-ping Wang and Hui An

The purpose of this paper is to calculate the bank efficiency of removing potential risks that are hidden from the extreme portfolio of bank’s assets and further compare the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to calculate the bank efficiency of removing potential risks that are hidden from the extreme portfolio of bank’s assets and further compare the differences and causes of bank’s efficiency and potential risk level between China’s representative banks and OECD representative banks in 2011-2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the weight-limited DEA model, this paper calculates the bank’s efficiency and further compares the differences between China’s representative banks and OECD representative banks by using commercial banks’ transnational data.

Findings

By analyzing US representative banks’ data, the authors find that the excessive expansion of the scale of banks’ investment for the non-real economy shrinks after the bubble burst and would not improve the efficiency of banks immediately. The OECD representative banks rather prefer to extreme asset portfolio so that the potential risks gradually increase, while there is a diminishing effect on investments in non-real economies to improve bank efficiency. On the other hand, China’s representative banks have the signs of reducing investment in the real estate market, but the existence of the bubble in the market led to a lagged effect on the impact of adjustment of bank asset portfolio on efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has practical significance for commercial banks to improve efficiency and reduce credit risks. This is conducive to the implementation of targeted supervision by the banking supervision department.

Practical implications

Based on the lesson that the financial crisis created by the real estate bubble burst in the USA in 2008 and the financial market active guidance of the developed economies, faced with the reality of Chinese real estate market bubble rising and the continuous improvement of Chinese financial market, this paper compares the differences between representative banks in China and OECD, and explores the causes by using the cross-country data of commercial banks.

Originality/value

By adjusting the weight of the input variables in the efficiency measurement, quantifying the risk is often overlooked by the changes in bank efficiency. This potential risk is caused by the bank’s investment preferences in the non-real economy represented by real estate and tradable financial assets.

Details

China Finance Review International, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2021

Hui-Chun Chang, Yung-Kai Lin, Chia-Hua Liang, Hsin-Wei Huang, Yung-Hao Lin, Yung-Hsiang Lin, Wei-Chun Hu and Chi Fu Chiang

Population aging was a global trend, and the most obvious thing after aging was the change in skin appearance. Therefore, the active ingredients that delay skin aging were…

Abstract

Purpose

Population aging was a global trend, and the most obvious thing after aging was the change in skin appearance. Therefore, the active ingredients that delay skin aging were particularly noticed. Past studies had pointed out that Chinese herbal extracts can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and melanin precipitation. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether combining hydrolyzed collagen with Chinese herbal extracts can improve skin conditions and achieve anti-inflammatory effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifty subjects were randomly divided into collagen or placebo groups, and one bottle of collagen or placebo drink was used every day for four weeks, after which skin and inflammatory factors were tested.

Findings

In comparison with the baseline results, the skin parameters were improving after four-week intervention. In addition, the IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a were significantly decreased and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) was increased after four-week hydrolyzed collagen intervention.

Originality/value

This study showed that hydrolyzed collagen combined with Chinese herbal extracts can improve the condition of the skin, and can also reduce inflammatory associated factors, thereby achieving anti-aging effects.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 51 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2022

Yifeng Zhu, Ziyang Zhang, Hailong Zhao and Shaoling Li

Five-level rectifiers have received widespread attention because of their excellent performance in high-voltage and high-power applications. Taking a five-level rectifier with…

Abstract

Purpose

Five-level rectifiers have received widespread attention because of their excellent performance in high-voltage and high-power applications. Taking a five-level rectifier with only four-IGBT for this study, a sliding mode predictive control (SMPC) algorithm is proposed to solve the problem of poor dynamic performance and poor anti-disturbance ability under the traditional model predictive control with the PI outer loop.

Design/methodology/approach

First, mathematical models under the two-phase stationary coordinate system and two-phase synchronous rotating coordinate system are established. Then, the design of the outer-loop sliding mode controller is completed by establishing the sliding mode surface and design approach rate. The design of the inner-loop model predictive controller was completed by discretizing the mathematical model equations. The modulation part uses a space vector modulation technique to generate the PWM wave.

Findings

The sliding mode predictive control strategy is compared with the control strategy with a PI outer loop and a model predictive inner loop. The proposed control strategy has a faster dynamic response and stronger anti-interference ability.

Originality/value

For the five-level rectifier, the advantages of fast dynamic influence and parameter insensitivity of sliding mode control are used in the voltage outer loop to replace the traditional PI control, and which is integrated with the model predictive control used in the current inner loop to form a novel control strategy with a faster dynamic response and stronger immunity to disturbances. This novel strategy is called sliding mode predictive control (SMC).

Details

Circuit World, vol. 50 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2019

Farasat Ali Shah Bukhari, Sardar Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Usman and Khalid Hussain

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of creator credibility and backer endorsement on the levels of donation to crowdfunding campaigns in a focal muslim…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of creator credibility and backer endorsement on the levels of donation to crowdfunding campaigns in a focal muslim community and to determine the success factors of projects in developing and developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing 223 crowdfunding projects from LaunchGood to examine the expected connections. The crowdfunding projects in the distinctive data set (Ramadan) are similar, permitting exploration of the role of creator credibility and backer endorsement in a unique context of religious-based crowdfunding activity.

Findings

Creators’ credibility and backers’ endorsements are decisive factors in crowdfunding success. Results from an additional test related to location (developing and developed countries) suggest that creators’ credibility is more important than backers’ endorsements, especially in developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

The projects used in the data set are homogenous and take place in a specific context. The limited number of available observations influences the testing function and capacity of the models and variables. Further, the investigation is related to a specific community, so might not be applicable to all communities.

Social implications

Potential supporters from the community are vital for the success of crowdfunding projects. This study informs campaign efforts in a religious community by stressing the importance of creators’ credibility and backers’ endorsements. The study also sheds light on factors that affect crowdfunding success in developing and developed countries.

Originality/value

This study helps to explain successful crowdfunding practices in donation-based crowdfunding projects within a religious community context. Results improve scholars’ ability to comprehend individuals’ supporting behavior, providing empirical evidence of creators’ credibility and backers’ endorsement on project success. The study also addresses the determinants of crowdfunding success in developing and developed countries.

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2018

Hao Zhang and Brenda Chawner

Homelessness has been a growing problem in many countries since the 1980s. The purpose of this paper is to examine homeless peoples’ perspectives on public library services, and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Homelessness has been a growing problem in many countries since the 1980s. The purpose of this paper is to examine homeless peoples’ perspectives on public library services, and to compare these with the attitudes of library staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight interviews have been conducted with rough sleepers and formerly homeless library patrons to examine their experiences, needs and expectations or the library. In addition, four library staff have been interviewed about their attitudes to services for members of the homeless community.

Findings

Most rough sleepers and formerly homeless patrons who participated in this research viewed the public library as a safe place because it offered a welcoming atmosphere, access to a variety of resources and services targeted at the homeless. Nonetheless, sleeping has always been a major reason for their use of the library. Most staff members agreed that providing services targeted toward rough sleepers changed the dynamic between staff and the homeless patrons, but there was some disagreement between staff members about whether targeted services were the most appropriate approach.

Practical implications

Understanding homeless and rough sleepers’ expectations for public library services may be useful in revising policy and developing services for this community. In particular, developing partnerships with organisations supporting the homeless is an effective way of developing relevant services for this often-marginalised group.

Originality/value

Little research has considered public library services from the perspective of homeless people. This research is intended to fill that gap.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 67 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2021

Hui Li, Zengwen Zhang, Ruiyang Fang, Zhihui Gao and Wei He

The authors designed those experiments to test the sensitivity of graphene when it is exposed to NO2 gas, to find a way to decrease the recovery time of graphene and to find the…

100

Abstract

Purpose

The authors designed those experiments to test the sensitivity of graphene when it is exposed to NO2 gas, to find a way to decrease the recovery time of graphene and to find the difference effect between monolayer and bilayer graphene in the experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors transferred graphene from film on Cu foil to NO2 sensor sample and measured the resistances of on monolayer and bilayer graphene when they were exposed to NO2 gas under different concentration; then, the authors obtained the results.

Findings

The results show that monolayer graphene exhibits a linear response when the NO2 concentration is below 20 ppm. But the monolayer graphene will not be so sensitive to NO2 gas when the concentration continues to reduce. The desorption time of monolayer graphene is longer when compared with bilayer graphene. It shows faster recovery time and higher response of bilayer graphene under low NO2 concentration. And the limit detectable NO2 concentration of bilayer graphene is 50 ppb. Desorption time of bilayer graphene is shortened to below 20 s under UV light.

Originality/value

The authors found a reliable way to decrease the recovery time of graphene when it is exposed NO2 gas and got the concrete data.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

21 – 30 of 358